Hunters' Gun Bill Passes Ohio House

Hunters could use silencers on their guns while hunting certain game under a proposal that passed the Ohio House.

Representatives voted 74-13 to pass the bill Wednesday. The Senate still must consider the measure.

A House committee approved the bill last month with bipartisan support after lawmakers examined the devices and listened to silenced and unsilenced weapons.

The bill would allow licensed Ohio hunters to use the silencers while hunting certain birds and other wild game, including squirrels, rabbits and deer. Only those authorized under state and federal laws could use the suppressor, which must be properly registered.

Supporters of the devices say they protect hunters' hearing, make field commands easier to hear and reduce disruptions to neighbors. Opponents say quieter weapons are less safe and easier to use illegally.